One of the major problems with our national power grid is antiquated and inefficient transmission lines. This is one of main issues that must be addressed in order for recent proposals, like the Gore and Pickens Plan, to be viable solutions. The State of Texas took a big step forward last week in addressing these concerns by giving preliminary approval to a $4.9 billion plan to build new transmission lines. The proposed lines will substantially increase the ability to transmit electricity from outlying regions that produce much of the state’s energy to the urban centers.

Specifically, this would allow existing, as well as proposed wind farms in West Texas to deliver their renewable electricity to the population centers. It is becoming more and more clear that the State of Texas is the leading example on how to effectively provide leadership and direction in the quest for clean energy generation and development.